One of our long time favorites and a make ahead main dish — Curried Chicken and Fruit Salad. The weather has been summery – astounding for March! And we’ve taken advantage of it, with lots of time in the garden. Meals when we are concentrating on a project are usually do ahead. Last night I reached back in the archives from the very first days of A Pinch of Joy and came up with this to make ahead and enjoy after a very busy day.
Curried Chicken and Fruit Salad is a festive, flavorful salad that is so versatile. It is not spicy, but is uniquely and wonderfully flavored. It is the first thing I think of when I need something for a luncheon because it can be served so many different ways. Great by itself, it also goes well with croissants or any delicately flavored quick bread. It works well for a Christmas brunch or late dinner. With crackers or toasted rounds, it makes a delightful appetizer. We love it for cool summer suppers with a salad and corn on the cob or a light dessert. Last night I served it with crusty Italian bread on the side, a huge tossed salad and ice cream for dessert. Great change from the wintry fare we would usually be eating this time of year!
Did you know that curry is a combination of spices? Families in southern Asia have their own “secret” blends that can contain up to 20 different herbs and spices, depending on the region and traditions. Many blends include cumin, mustard, chili powder, cinnamon, coriander, and tumeric. It is the tumeric that gives curry the signature color. The chili powder gives heat according to the quantity used. Americans often associate curry with Indian cuisine. The only association with India is that the British army adopted a version of for use in rations during British colonial days in India. The British are responsible for the Western world’s version of curry powder and the dishes prepared with it, while people from India do not use the term at all. The word curry most likely comes from the Tamil region of India, where the word “kari” refers to a sauce, cooked vegetables or meat.
- 2 cups, cooked and diced chicken breast (3 large or 4 medium breasts)
- 1 stalk of celery, cut
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1 apple, cored and diced (preferably sweet as Delicious or Gala)
- ⅓ cup golden raisins or original craisins
- ⅓ cup seedless green or purple grapes, halved
- ½ cup pecan pieces
- ½ tsp curry powder
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- Pepper to taste
- Mix together mayonnaise and curry.
- Add all other ingredients, except the chicken, and stir well.
- Add chicken. Folding in gently will keep it chunky for a stand alone dish. Stirring vigorously will break chunks apart for a more uniform texture to serve on a croissant or other bread.
- Chill several hours, overnight is even better, to develop the full fruity flavor.
- carbs, 15 grams protein per serving
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Sheryl @ Lady Behind The Curtain says
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Your recipe is being featured today on Menu and Party Idea Round Up from Cast Party Wednesday!
http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/?p=26954
Please go grab a button and Thank You for sharing your recipe with us at Cast Party Wednesday!
—Sheryl—
Melody of ChattyChics.com says
Oh my! That sounds wonderful! And I can’t wait to see what you’re up to!
Deanna @ Little Green Bow says
This looks yummy and those flavors sound wonderful. I am getting pretty bored with my lunch routine and this might be just the thing I need to spice it up. Thanks for sharing!
trisha says
this looks divine! Thanks for sharing at Tea Party Tuesday